PREA LEADERSHIP
PREA Foundation Staff
Ivan Barron, PhD
Executive Director
Ivan was born in Mexico and immigrated to the US at the age of nine. His life experiences inspired him to pursue a career working to expand economic and educational opportunities for people from all backgrounds. He has developed nationally recognized career advancement and leadership programs in collaboration with top corporations, universities, and foundations. Dr. Barron began his career in the real estate industry as Deputy Director of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director at the PREA Foundation, he was at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Barron has a master’s degree from Harvard University and a PhD from the University of Washington where he teaches courses for entrepreneurs at the Foster School of Business.
Katie Miles
Managing Director of Development and Partnerships
Katie was a first-generation college student who credits much of her success to the mentors who guided and supported her along the way. Inspired by those relationships, she has dedicated her career to paying it forward by creating opportunities for others to thrive. Over the past decade, she has led fundraising, program development, and partnership efforts across the nonprofit sector. She brings both strategic vision and a deep commitment to collaboration and equity to her work at the Foundation. Katie holds a Master’s in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University and a Bachelor’s in Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.
Natalie Place
Director of Philanthropic Operations
Natalie’s path has always been shaped by a deep curiosity about the way things work, from the vision that inspires an idea to the details that help bring it to life. Her experience spans multiple sectors including healthcare, sustainability, philanthropy, venture, and consulting. She has worked directly with founders, fundraisers, and communities at more than twenty organizations to launch programs, strengthen operations, and turn ambitious ideas into practice. At the PREA Foundation, she leads philanthropic operations, strengthening the development, communications, and internal systems that sustain the Foundation’s work and help grow its impact.
Fariha Iqbal
Program and Operations Manager
Fariha is a first-generation Bengali American who was born and raised in Florida. She navigated significant challenges on her path to academic excellence and overcame them with determination and hard work. During her time at the University of Florida, her interest in the nonprofit sector grew. Soon after graduating, she secured a vital role within an organization that reduces poverty and provides low-income individuals and families with the tools to become self-sufficient in Central North Florida. Fariha’s professional journey has highlighted the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for people from all walks of life. She has come to understand the essential role that diverse perspectives play in driving innovation, making sound strategic decisions, and fostering meaningful connections within any industry.